The IOM Iraq Mission has signed an agreement with the United
Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to set up a project to
support local private and semi-private Business Development Service
(BDS) providers in the Governorates of Anbar, Basrah and Erbil.

The project aims to develop sustainable business models and
engage a range of beneficiaries including current owners and
managers of small businesses and potential entrepreneurs in
socio-economically marginalized groups such as unemployed men,
women, youth, and single parent households, the disabled, former
combatants, internally displaced persons and returnees.

"IOM's nation-wide operational capacity will be complementary to
ongoing UN activities in Iraq," says Michael Pillinger, IOM Iraq's
Chief of Mission. "Providing opportunities for Iraqis to start and
grow their businesses will help stabilize communities that have
been shattered by years of conflict, and lay the foundation for
economic revival."

Through the project, IOM will train Business Development Service
trainers who will further coach local entrepreneurs on how to make
businesses grow and prosper.

Preliminary research by the ILO and UNOPS found that many
businesses in the Anbar, Basrah and Erbil Governorates were in need
of assistance in management training, business analysis and
consulting. The programme will also create opportunities for
businesses in the three governorates to regularly exchange
information and best practices.

Funding for this project comes from the United Nations
Development Group Iraq Trust Fund. IOM Iraq, which has previously
carried out three similar projects with support from the Trust
Fund, will receive USD 1,000,000 for implementation over the next
18 months.

For further information, please contact:

Antonio Salanga

IOM Iraq

Tel: +962 79 905 5629

E-mail: "mailto:asalanga@iom.int">asalanga@iom.int